You Can Estimate Your Costs

Home Products Average KWH Use Per Month

How To Read A Meter

Increase Efficiency

You Can Estimate Your Costs

The costs of operating an appliance can be estimated to help you manage your electricity use and the size of your bill.

First, determine the wattage used by the appliance, the number of hours it is used per month, and the rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (shown on your electric bill). Then use this simple formula:
                                           
wattage x hours x rate = estimated monthly cost of operation
         1000

We determine the electricity you use (and your electric bill) by measuring the kilowatt-hours or KWH, that you use. One kilowatt-hour is equal to operating a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.

Many factors affect how much electricity an appliance uses - where it's located, your home wiring, how the appliance is used.

Home Products Average KWH Use Per Month

Comfort
Central air conditioning - 840 KWH
Electric hot water tank - 300 KWH
Portable electric space heater - 66 KWH
Dehumidifier - 64 KWH
Window fan - 60 KWH

In the Kitchen
Refrigerator/freezer (15 cu. ft. upright) - 153 KWH
Dishwasher - 30 KWH
Oven (on "bake") - 22 KWH
Slow cooker ("crock pot") - 11 KWH
Garbage disposal - 3 KWH
Toaster - 3 KWH

Help Around the House
Dryer - 83 KWH
Iron - 13 KWH
Washing machine - 9 KWH
Sewing machine - 1 KWH

Beauty Aids
Hairdryer - 4 KWH
Hairsetter/curlers - 1KWH
Shaver - .03 KWH

Working at Home
Personal computer central processing unit - 33 KWH
Laser printer - 25 KWH
Color monitor - 9 KWH

Entertainment
TV (19" color solid state) - 17 KWH
TV (19" black & white solid state) - 5 KWH
Stereo - 10 KWH

How To Read A Meter

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SHOWING READING OF 2198

Tips for Saving on Appliance Energy Costs

• Cook several dishes in the oven at once.

• Avoid repeatedly opening and closing the refrigerator.

• Wash and dry full laundry loads.

• Wash laundry in cold or warm water, not hot.

• Iron fabrics requiring a low temperature setting first and work up to higher settings.

• Clean your refrigerator condenser every 3 months.

• Set your household thermostat to 68° F in the Winter and 78° F in the Summer.

• Remember to turn off all appliances when not using them.